Thanks for joining Sarah and me for Meatless Monday today. It’s winter one day and summer the next around here lately. We have also had a ton of rain off and on. All of this crazy weather just makes me crave some comfort food. What’s one of my favorite comfort foods? Mac and cheese of course! Today, I’ve taken my love of all things cheesy and created a healthier version. I am sharing my Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese Bake with you and hope that you find it as yummy and comforting as I do.
Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese Bake
So what makes this Mac and Cheese Bake different? For starters I’ve used Spaghetti Squash as the base instead of pasta. The comfort of regular Mac and Cheese with a lot less calories . So of course you can eat more! Spaghetti Squash is full of fiber, potassium and Vitamin C. It’s one of those veggies that everyone loves!
I added in one of my favorite veggies as well-broccoli. No need to cook the broccoli beforehand as it will bake right into the Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese Bake. You could easily sub in any other veggie as well. Mushrooms or peppers would also be fantastic. But for me, there is something about broccoli covered in a gooey cheese sauce that calls my name.
This whole Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese Bake can be made in one big skillet. I love a one pot meal that can go from stove to oven to table to dishwasher. Don’t you? I like to use this All Clad Skillet for everything. (Amazon Affiliate) Easy clean up!
Making your own cheese sauce for the Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese Bake is super easy. You start by making a “roux” with a little flour and butter. Then add in milk of your choice to form a nice creamy base. Sharp cheddar cheese is then stirred in and creates a fantastic sauce. My secret spice is a sprinkle of nutmeg and a squirt of Siracha. Delish!
Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese Bake Meatless Monday
everything you love about mac n cheese made with a lower calorie spaghetti squash-vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 Cups of cooked Spaghetti Squash
- 1 1/2 C broccoli pieces (raw)
- For the Roux
- 2 tbl flour of choice
- 2 tbl butter
- 2 cups of milk of choice (warmed in microwave for 1 min)
- 2 cups sharp Cheddar Cheese -shredded
- sprinkle of nutmeg and garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- squirt of Siracha
- optional topping: sprinkle of Panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375
- Heat a medium oven safe skillet to med high
- Add butter and flour and whisk continuously for 3-5 min
- Slowly add in warmed milk & continue whisking
- Reduce heat to low and whisk for 5 min until you have a thick smooth base
- Add in spices and combine
- Add shredded cheese and stir with spatula to combine
- Mix in cooked Spaghetti Squash and combine with cheese sauce
- Add in broccoli
- sprinkle on Panko if desired
- Transfer to hot oven for 20 min until top is browned
- Serve immediately
Perfect for a side dish paired with a protein or a hearty main dish. Who is ready to enjoy some of this cheesy goodness? What are you comfort foods?
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Broccoli is my favorite add in to mac and cheese and spaghetti squash is just amazing! This look perfect for all of these rainy days we have been having.
Thanks so much! I am a big broccoli lover too
Oh my goodness yum! I tried mac and cheese from scratch once and didn’t love the recipe. This looks like it may have to be my next recipe to try!
It’s a long family favorite recipe hope you enjoy it!
This looks amazing. And very easy to “veganize.” 😉 And I even have a spaghetti squash in the fridge!
By the way, I submitted my link but it says there wasn’t a back link (which there is).
I am having the same prob with my links don’t know what’s up w that. I love to use spaghetti squash for everything these days
This really sounds so good and easy! Our weather has been all over the place too and it seems like we are back to cold- so I’ve got to try this.
Thanks hope you enjoy it!
Another delicious recipe! This is a dish I would love to serve at Easter dinner, but my family is so adverse to trying anything new for the holidays. Maybe I’ll try to make it for a regular Sunday dinner first!
Yes I would try it for a regular dinner first maybe as a side dish. They will love it!
I’ve never thought of trying to make mac and cheese like that! Sounds good!
Thanks so much! I promise it is 🙂
Love the broccoli addition! I need to grab a spag squash next time I’m at the store (which I think will be today)
Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy it
Mac and Cheese is a perpetual favorite around here. I still pull out an old recipe from Cooking Light 2001. The men just love the 4 cheese sauce. I like your take on it!
Thanks I hope they like this version as well.
YUM! This looks amazing and now I want it for dinner 😛
Well then you should have it!
Sounds delicious. Mac and cheese is definitely my weakness. Now you don’t have to feel as guilty eating your favorite comfort food.
Yes exactly no guilt at all over here!
Ahhh I am a huge mac and cheese fan! Never tried it with spaghetti squash though! So clever!
It’s a game changer you will love it
So perfect for our cold snowy weather, looks cozy and comforting!
Cozy indeed!
This looks delicious! I haven’t ever thought of making spaghetti squash into something cheesy, but I’ll have to try it out!
Oh it’s a fabulous combination! Cheese makes everything better
This sounds awesome! I love that it’s got the warm, comforting Mac and cheese thing going with lots and lots of veggies in the mix!
Thanks me too!
Broccoli and cheese will allllllways have a huge soft spot in my heart. This is great!!
Mine too! Thanks hope you try it out
Ok, you had ME at cheese as well, especially when you mentioned “cheddar” LOL
My favorite too! Everything is better with cheese 🙂
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Spaghetti Squash!! I’ve never tried it for Mac & Cheese but it sounds super good!! Love your Meatless Monday recipes!!
Have a happy Monday Deborah!
Well thanks so much and happy Monday to you as well
I just made a spaghetti squash recipe myself. I love how versatile it is!
I know it’s great with all kinds of sauces
I really struggle with spaghetti squash, so I’m not sure if I could make this dish at home. I wish I enjoyed the whole squash family a little more, but short of raw zucchini, I’m just not that into it.
I bet it would work with zucchini as well. Not everyone loves it and that’s ok!
ooh mac and cheese bakes are the best! Looks so delicious
I agree! Thanks
Yum! I think I’ve told you about my battle with a spaghetti squash (blew up my microwave…) but maybe it’s time to give it a second chance…
Yes I think so!
OOOH – a dash of siracha! That probably adds a very nice kick! As always, beautiful food posts that make me want to jump right in the page! nice work Deborah!
Well thanks so much Gina!
I love anything mac & cheese! This looks so yummy, and I love how you always make sure to we get in our veggies!
Oh I try 🙂
I’ll be trying it tonight! I’ll let you know how it goes.
Oh exciting! Yes please let me know what you think
Looks delicious Deborah! Can I come over for dinner? YUM!
Yes anytime girl!
Oh this is comfort food to it’s best. Just what we all need this long cold winter. I love the flavors, and the cheese and everything about this healthier mac & cheese. Yum!
thanks so much it’s a healthier way to enjoy it for sure
Lovely recipe and looks really delicious and flavorful! Interesting add on broccoli and I love the mix of ingredients especially it’s packed with healthy benefits. Perfect for any day meal!
Thanks so much Nancy hope you try it out sometime
This looks so yummy. You’re so creative with your recipes–I love it!
Thanks so much!
I’m pretty sure I could live on mac & cheese, lol. This looks like such an incredible healthier version! Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks I really hope you give it a try sometime
Mac n cheese is up there as far as comfort food goes! Basically any kind of past or risotto lol. This is a much better way to indulge without feeling too guilty! I hope they still have the giant spaghetti squash at the store this weekend so I can make this.
Oh yeah hope you try it!
Every time I ask my kids for dinner ideas, my younger one says “mac and cheese.” With this recipe, maybe he will actually get it!
Oh fabulous I hope you all enjoy it!
I love making spaghetti squash but haven’t gotten to adventurous with it. This looks pretty tempting to try.
Thanks! I hope you give it a go
This mac & cheese sounds delicious! Whenever I make mac & cheese, I throw broccoli in.. I feel like it offsets all of the cheese I add in a bit 😉 My husband & I love spaghetti squash but for some reason I haven’t really made it lately. I think I need to try your recipe ASAP!
Well I think so too! 🙂 Hope you enjoy it
I bought a spaghetti squash this weekend having made it only one time before….. I had absolutely no idea what to do with it and then this pops up! I also managed to use my instant pot (my most neglected appliance) to cook the squash so this is in my oven right this minute – I added a mix of broccoli and cauliflower since I had both handy. Fingers crossed I added enough seasoning.
Oh so fabulous! I really hope you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for stopping in hope to see you again soon